An online local newspaper which is part of a fast-growing network of hyperlocal news websites across the country is proving a big hit in Bridport.

Bridport Nub News was only launched in October but has already clocked up an audience of more than 10,000 unique users last month.

Lottie Welch, Regional Editor (Dorset), who joined Nub News from the Newsquest-owned Bridport & Lyme Regis News, has so far written nearly 300 articles.

The online newspaper, one of 57 across England, has also landed its first major sponsor, Groves Nurseries.

The family-run business has been in the town for more than 150 years.

Charlie Groves, the sixth generation of C.W. Groves to run the garden centre, said: “I started following Bridport Nub News on social media.

“It just looked like a nice, well-presented website – something that would work and it was a refreshing format.”

Lottie, 27, pictured left, said: “It has been a brilliant first two months, expanding quicker than I would ever have imagined.

“The readership is growing every day.

“We have been getting such lovely, positive comments about what, and how, we’re reporting, as well as how easy the site is to use and for readers to get the town’s news.

“There is always so much happening in Bridport.

“We’ve been able to share news from the town’s societies and organisations, as well as the town council and police – some of which may have been overlooked.

“We’re very excited to continue delivering the best news for Bridport and to see Bridport Nub News grow even more.”

Nub News was co-founded by Karl Hancock, Chief Executive Officer, and Dean Waghorn, Chief Technology Officer, in 2018.

Karl, pictured right, spent 26 years in the City of London and is a former MD of Schroders/Citigroup and Goldman Sachs.

Latterly he was Director and Head of Sales UK for Berenberg, the German-based bank.

Nub News has secured major funding from City investors with plans to eventually roll out 700 online newspapers across the UK.

The first of its hyperlocal online newspapers was launched in January 2019.

It has set its sights on launching in other Dorset towns including Blandford, Dorchester, Gillingham, Swanage, Wareham and Wimborne.

Karl said: “I was asked by lots of people to launch Bridport Nub News because it’s such a newsie town.

“They were certainly right.

“We’ve had a super start and it’s great news we have Groves Nurseries as the main sponsor so early.

“We like to promote local businesses so to have such a well-known Bridport family partner with us fits perfectly with our ethos.

“Lottie has done really well.

“She’s born and bred in Bridport so knows everyone and she really loves her job.”

• bridport.nub.news